Minor League Players of the Week: 7/1 – 7/7

Position Player of the Week: Michael Ohlman

.409/.480/.864 (9/22) with 1 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K(A+)
What else can I really say about Ohlman? He has been on fire the past two months, and the power is starting to show. I wrote about Ohlman in the June Players of the Month and not much has changed since. He has a good stick, with good bat speed and a strong swing. I cannot think of many Orioles’ players that have boosted their stock more than Ohlman this year. The Catcher is finally starting to show why the Orioles signed him for over-slot at $995,000.

Starting Pitcher of the Week: Tim Berry – LHP

1 GS, 8.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K(A+)
Berry has bounced back in June and July after a disappointing May. He is a lefty that sits mostly around 90-92 mph with a decent curve and a change that has slowly been coming into form the past year or so. Berry will struggle with command at times, but he has the talent to pitch at the higher levels of the game – if he can better refine his command. Either way, the lefty is probably ready to fully give AA a go this season. I suspect AA might be a tough time, but it will be a great learning experience. AA is the first spot where you really need to prove you can “pitch” and not just blow it by people or fool them with your arsenal.

Relief Pitcher of the Week: Alexander Santana – RHP

2 G, 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K(A-)
Small framed pitcher that looks no larger than 5’8″, although he is listed at 5’11″. He reminds me of Zach Davies‘ frame, but filled out more. He is a good little pitcher with a lively arsenal.

FB: 87-88 mph with late life and some explosion. Deceptive and looks a tick faster than it really isCH: 78-81 mph with fringe fade, exposes pitch on delivery.CU: 75-79 mph with 11-5 spin and good drop. Probably his best pitch.

About the author

Tucker Blair

Tucker Blair was born and raised in the Baltimore area and currently lives in Elkridge, Maryland. He graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.S in Entrepreneurial Studies and is currently a Project Analyst for a Management Consulting Firm in Federal Hill, Baltimore. Tucker was previously the Managing Editor at Orioles Nation, where he worked on prospect lists, reports, and analysis on the Orioles minor league system. He also previously wrote his personal blog, The EntreprenOriole.